Aaron Bullock’s winning treble and doubles to Newcastle trainer Paul Perry and Jockey Chad Scofield highlighted the Newcastle Jockey Clubs race meeting on Wednesday. Perrys talented 3 year old Curl Curl was the most impressive winner on the day with Bullock in the saddle.
Curl Curl was first up in the Hungerford Hill Wines Maiden Handicap (900m) after three placings from four starts in his previous two preparations. He won a recent Newcastle trial by 11 lengths. Bullock had ridden the gelding when narrowly beaten in his first two starts in February and March 2023. On Wednesday the son of Winning Rupert began quick and he settled behind the two leaders before sprinting away to win by nearly 3 lengths.
Bullock and Perry combined with General Soho, winner of the Jim and Maria Callinan Anniversaries Benchmark 68 Handicap (1500m). Bullock eased the heavily backed second favourite back to last from the start and he was still there at the top of the straight. General Soho was bolting halfway down the straight and when he saw daylight he sprinted clear and held on to win by .36 of a length. The 8- year old has now won nine races including three at Newcastle for prizemoney of $322,865.
La Vesuvius, who had been out of form this preparation returned to his best form to narrowly win the Lees Racing Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1890m). Ridden by Bullock for his close friend Newcastle trainer Patrick Cleave La Vesuvius settled midfield in a fast run race before unleashing in the straight and he put his head in front on the post. The winner had been unplaced in all three starts this preparation but Bullock, who had won two races on the horse got the best out of La Vesuvius on Wednesday.
Bullock has taken the lead in the NSW Jockeys Premiership with 103 winners 2.5 clear of Ash Morgan. Paul Perry enjoying a good season has trained 44 winners.
Newcastle trainers won four of the eight races with Mark Minervini, Perry and Cleave all saddling up winners. Minervini’s youngster Shall Be ridden by Ash Morgan led all the way to win the 900 metre New Era Technology 2YO Maiden Plate. On debut at Newcastle on April 3, Shall Be was runner up in a strong race at Newcastle and he was well backed on Wednesday.
Chad Scofield’s winners were for Randwick trainers John Thompson and Anthony Cummings. Our Uptown Girl trained by Thompson broke through for her first win in six starts in the NZB Karaka 20 June Sale Maiden Handicap (1400m). The Cummings trained Shehasattitude with Scofield in the saddle won the Prince Of Merewether Midway Class 1 Handicap (1250m). It was her second win in five starts both at Newcastle.
Chris Wallers 3- year old Captain Furai ran up to his good trial form when he easily won the Sharp Office Maiden Plate (1250m). A recent Rosehill trial winner Captain Furai raced on the speed and Zac Lloyd drove him to the lead and he bolted in.
The track was upgraded to a Good 4 during the day and as the norm played extremely well.